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I can't find a SUNY Downstate Medical Center application thread for 2017! I wonder why that is. I thought more people would be eager to apply here? Have I missed the thread? I am applying... submitting the end of this month. Anyone else?

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I am submitting my application this month! They just opened their app this year around mid-August, which is later than previous years, so that is probably why nobody posted yet

Good luck! I was getting worried why no one replied... I did not submit yet either. I have to get the official letter for the volunteer work... that threw me for a loop! 2000 hours volunteer HCE as an EMT later, lol.. luckily I am almost there.

I am currently accepted into 3 PA programs and am having a hard time choosing between programs. Below are what my options look like. I am wondering what factors I should focus my attention towards. Currently, I am leaning toward SUNY Upstate because of the graduation rate (98.4) and the attrition rate (2.2%). Next is DeSales with a grad rate of (93 to 95%) and attrition rate (6.7%).

Here is the table!

1. Should I weigh the attrition rate very strongly when choosing? I will be away from my fiancé as she completes her own PA program and have a feeling that I should choose a program that won’t dismiss me if I have a slight setback.

2. I graduate undergrad May 14th from New Mexico. Should my start date be a major factor? With Quinnipiac, I would have a short time to get my affairs in order. While with Desales, I have a few months.

3. SUNY tries to put all clinical rotations in 1 semi-rural facility. Each student has their own facility. Should this be looked at as a negative trait, or does 1 site allow me to do more around the facility? Would this lack of different sites hurt me from finding jobs across the nation?

​4. I am a young African American male. Are there areas in these communities I should avoid? This is a silly question due to the fact that your personality determines who you are and how people treat you, but I am just keeping an open mind.

I know this seems kind of ridiculous to ask on a forum and should be a personal choice, but I just want as many perspectives as possible from those who are familiar with the career. My goal is to simply become a great provider for my patients and not go crazy trying to make this choice. This community has helped me so much throughout my academic career. Any insight helps. Thank you!

P.S. If you see any incorrect information on this table, feel free to correct me! No offense information about PA programs please. If there is a severely negative aspect, you can email me because I still want to hear it J